The Pursuit Of... by Courtney Milan is a novella set during the Revolutionary War, following the story of John, a former slave, and Henry, the second son of a British aristocrat. The book explores themes of privilege, freedom, and equality through the unique relationship between the two main characters. Milan's writing style is described as engaging, with memorable and charming characters that leave a lasting impact on the reader.

Characters:

The characters, John and Henry, are well-developed and relatable, with John embodying a stoic resilience and Henry bringing a playful charm, allowing for a nuanced portrayal of their evolving relationship.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is witty and engaging, blending humor with poignant philosophical reflections, creating a captivating narrative that resonates with readers.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot intertwines humor and serious themes, centered around a road trip that fosters an evolving friendship between the main characters while addressing deeper issues like privilege and race.

Setting:

The setting is firmly rooted in the American Revolutionary War, providing a historical backdrop that enhances the narrative's thematic complexity.

Pacing:

The pacing is steady, engaging the reader effectively through character interactions and dialogue, maintaining interest despite a lack of constant action.

In the heat of battle, Corporal John Hunter could never differentiate between silence and absolute noise. Years had passed since his first engagement, but every time, the sheer discord of sound blende...

Notes:

The book features a road trip between two male protagonists who develop a growing friendship.

It explores the themes of love, friendship, privilege, and societal injustices faced by LGBTQ individuals during the Revolutionary War.

One protagonist, John, is a Black American soldier, while the other, Henry, is a white British aristocrat who is going AWOL.

The story balances humor and serious themes without becoming overly preachy or heavy.

The character dynamics reveal a lot about class differences and personal struggles.

Milan's writing style includes humor and witty banter, making the story engaging and memorable.

The protagonists are well-developed, with their inner thoughts and personalities explored in depth.

The narrative includes insights about the historical context of race and freedom during the Revolutionary War.

The depiction of their relationship is not just about romance but also about personal growth and overcoming societal barriers.

The book is part of the 'Hamilton's Battalion' trilogy, featuring interconnected stories but can stand alone.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of racism, homophobia, and societal class disparities.

Has Romance?

The romance between the main characters is central to the story and significantly drives the plot.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

What do a Black American soldier, invalided out at Yorktown, and a white British officer who deserted his post have in common? Quite a bit, actually.

They attempted to kill each other the first time they met.

They're liable to try again at some point in the five-hundred mile journey that they're inexplicably sharing.

They are not falling in love with each other.

They are… Oh, no.

The Pursuit Of… is about a love affair between two men and the Declaration of Independence. It's a novella of around 38,000 words. more

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